Here is a simple DIY homemade beef tallow sunscreen recipe that is easy to follow. As people become more conscious of what they put on their skin, many are turning to natural alternatives for skin care, including sunscreen.
How to Make Beef Tallow Sunscreen
Traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can be harmful to both human health and the environment.
A great alternative is homemade sunscreen, and beef tallow is an excellent base for creating a nourishing and protective sunblock.
Beef tallow, rendered fat from cows, has been used for centuries in skincare due to its moisturizing and healing properties.
When combined with other natural ingredients like zinc oxide, coconut oil, and shea butter, it forms a safe and effective sunscreen that helps shield the skin from the sun’s harmful rays while keeping it hydrated and healthy.
In this post, I will guide you through the benefits, ingredients, and process of making your own beef tallow sunscreen.
Benefits Of Beef Tallow Sunscreen?
Rich in Skin-Nourishing Nutrients
Beef tallow is packed with essential vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, which contribute to healthy skin.
Vitamin A supports skin cell regeneration, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage. These nutrients help maintain skin elasticity and repair sun-exposed skin.
Deeply Moisturizing
Unlike synthetic lotions that sit on the skin’s surface, beef tallow closely mimics the skin’s natural oils.
It absorbs deeply, providing long-lasting hydration without clogging pores. This makes it particularly beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Naturally Anti-Inflammatory and Healing
Beef tallow contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
This helps soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and protect against environmental stressors, making it a great choice for sunscreen.
Homemade Beef Tallow Sunscreen
To make a well-balanced natural sunscreen, we need a combination of protective, moisturizing, and binding ingredients. Here’s what goes into it:
Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano, Uncoated)
Zinc oxide is the key ingredient that provides broad-spectrum UV protection. It works by forming a physical barrier on the skin that reflects and scatters harmful UV rays.
Non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide is recommended to ensure that the particles do not penetrate the skin but stay on the surface for optimal protection.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil naturally contains a small amount of SPF (around SPF 4-5) and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It helps to nourish and soften the skin, making it an excellent addition to sunscreen formulations.
Shea Butter
Shea butter provides deep hydration and has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin from sunburn and irritation. It also contains natural SPF elements, although mild.
Beeswax
Beeswax acts as a natural emulsifier, helping to bind all the ingredients together. It also creates a water-resistant layer on the skin, making the sunscreen more durable.
Essential Oils (Optional)
Certain essential oils, such as carrot seed oil and raspberry seed oil, offer mild SPF protection and additional skin benefits.
However, essential oils should be used sparingly and tested for sensitivity before application.
DIY Homemade Beef Tallow Sunscreen Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup beef tallow
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup shea butter
- 2 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide
- 1 tbsp beeswax
- 5-10 drops essential oil (e.g., lavender or carrot seed oil) (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the Base Ingredients: In a double boiler, combine the beef tallow, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Stir occasionally until fully melted and well blended.
Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly (but not solidify). This will help prevent clumping when adding the zinc oxide.
Add Zinc Oxide: Carefully stir in the zinc oxide powder. It’s best to wear a mask while handling zinc oxide to avoid inhaling the fine particles.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir the mixture well to ensure the zinc oxide is evenly distributed. If using essential oils, add them at this stage and mix again.
Pour into a Container: Transfer the sunscreen into a glass jar or tin. Let it cool and solidify completely before use.
Store Properly: Keep the sunscreen in a cool, dry place. If it melts in warm temperatures, simply stir and refrigerate to restore consistency.
How to Use and Store Homemade Sunscreen
Application: Apply generously to exposed skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 1-2 hours, especially if swimming or sweating.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool place. Because homemade sunscreen lacks preservatives, it is best used within 3-6 months.
Texture Considerations: The sunscreen may soften in hot weather. If it becomes too liquid, store it in the fridge to maintain consistency.
Limitations and Safety Considerations
While homemade sunscreen offers many benefits, it is important to be aware of its limitations:
SPF Uncertainty: Unlike commercial sunscreens, homemade versions are not laboratory-tested for SPF accuracy. While zinc oxide provides protection, the exact SPF level is unknown.
Reapplication is Essential: Since homemade sunscreen lacks stabilizers and waterproofing agents, frequent reapplication is necessary to maintain protection.
Sun Protection Beyond Sunscreen: Sunscreen alone is not enough to prevent sun damage. Wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours are also essential for overall skin health.
Patch Testing: Always perform a patch test before applying homemade sunscreen to ensure no allergic reactions occur.
Final Thoughts
Making your own beef tallow sunscreen is a natural and nourishing way to protect your skin from the sun.
With its deeply moisturizing properties and a combination of skin-loving ingredients, this DIY sunscreen is a great alternative to store-bought chemical sunscreens.
While it is not a complete substitute for SPF-tested commercial sunscreens, it can benefit a holistic sun protection routine. Give this homemade sunscreen a try and enjoy the benefits of natural skincare while staying sun-safe.
If you love natural skincare and hair care, subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest posts. Also, I would really appreciate it if you would save the pin below. Thanks!
